Dele's flying, says Ryan

Posted on 6 November 2015
- 06:16

Ryan Mason has heaped praise on midfield colleague Dele Alli after what has been another eventful week for the burgeoning young talent.

Signed from MK Dons earlier this year, the 19-year-old has seamlessly acclimatised to Premier League football over the last few months and grabbed his second goal in a Spurs shirt during Monday’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.

Having emerged onto the senior international stage in October, winning his first England caps as a substitute against Estonia and Lithuania, he was also named in Roy Hodgson’s latest Three Lions squad on Thursday ahead of a pair of high-profile friendlies against Spain and France in the next fortnight.

Of course, they’re admirable achievements in their own right, but when you consider the fierce competition for the midfield places at both domestic and international levels from the likes of Ryan, it underlines how Dele is clearly on the right path.

Now back in the fold and competing for a starting spot following a spell on the sidelines, Ryan admitted he’s been very impressed by what he’s seen of Dele so far.

“He’s been brilliant, he’s a young lad who has come from League One last year and he’s made the step up with ease,” said Ryan.

“He’s a grounded lad, he’s got the right people around him with the gaffer, the management staff and the players to keep him level-headed and keep him performing well.

“So far this season he’s excelled and he’s done well for the team. He was scoring goals almost every week when he was at MK last year, he’s chipped in with a couple this year and I’m sure he’ll get a few more as we go on.”

As for his own endeavours, Ryan confirmed he’s determined to play a regular part for us once again, having been a key figure prior to picking up a knee injury at Sunderland in September.

“I feel good,” he added. “There is only a certain amount you can do in the gym and the rest is down to getting match fitness. I just want to get out there and play for as long as possible.”